- How a Dead ISWAP Cameraman’s Camera Uncovered Alleged Foreign Involvement
- Military authorities said the insurgents were attempting to loot medical supplies intended for the treatment of cholera
- The identity of the third foreign operative has yet to be established
A Sony camcorder recovered from a dead ISWAP cameraman has allegedly uncovered the involvement of foreign operatives in the activities of the terrorist group in Borno State, according to the military.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the device was recovered after troops of the 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai, repelled an attempted ISWAP attack on their position at Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Why Africa Still Cannot Win the FIFA World Cup Despite Its World Class Talent
- Man Allegedly Slits Father’s Throat, Mutilates Body in Anambra
- Lagos Court Convicts Director, Company Over N822.4m Fraudulent Conversion
The attack reportedly occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, when suspected ISWAP fighters advanced toward the troops’ location under the cover of darkness.
According to the military, soldiers detected the movement early and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon the mission and flee.
Military authorities said the insurgents were attempting to loot medical supplies intended for the treatment of cholera.
The military added that the failed raid corroborated recent intelligence suggesting a cholera outbreak within ISWAP camps, with some infected fighters allegedly executed by the group.
During the operation, an ISWAP cameraman was killed, while troops recovered a Sony camcorder containing operational footage and propaganda materials.
According to Operation Hadin Kai, preliminary forensic analysis of the recordings indicated that four senior ISWAP commanders coordinated the attack alongside three suspected foreign terrorist facilitators.
One of the foreign operatives was identified as Abu Ishaq, described as a Palestinian believed to be ISWAP’s chief trainer.
Another was identified as Abu Thaiba, a Moroccan medical doctor allegedly working with the terrorist group.
The identity of the third foreign operative has yet to be established.
The military said the findings reinforced intelligence assessments that ISWAP continued to receive foreign training, medical support and other specialist assistance.
Following the confrontation, troops searched the area and recovered PKT ammunition, 7.62mm special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat materials.
Operation Hadin Kai also disclosed that post-operation satellite imagery showed the insurgents evacuating the bodies of some of their fighters during their withdrawal.
Human intelligence sources further indicated that ISWAP suffered significant casualties during the encounter, while several injured fighters reportedly fled with gunshot wounds.
The military said two soldiers sustained injuries during the exchange and were airlifted for advanced medical treatment. They were reported to be in stable condition.
Operation Hadin Kai described the failed assault as another major blow to ISWAP and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups across the North-East.
FURTHER READING
- State Police Will Bring Policing Closer to the People – IGP Disu
- Quick Money Dream Ends in Tears as NDLEA Arrests Suspected Drug Courier
- Lagos Govt Charges Residents to Maintain Estates, Preserve Property Value
Click here to watch video of the week
